Permits for most of over 5000 mining blocks will expire this year according to U Thet Khaing, deputy director of Myanmar Gems Enterprise. The permit for the blocks in Hpakant, Lone Khin, Mogok, Hkamti, Nant Yar Seik, Mine Shu and Maw Lu-Maw Han is set to expire. There will be no extensions of permits and permits for new blocks will be considered accordance with Gemstone Rules said U Thet Khaing. Although Gemstone Law is already in place and first Gemstone Policy will be ready soon, there is still no Gemstone Rule added U Thet Khaing. Gems Policy’ draft includes provisions to prioritize in environmental conservation, to reduce damage to the environment and to create responsible gems extraction and production.

The policy proposes drawing up and implementing the Environment Management Plan (EMP) to ensure minimum impact of gem mining on the environment, requiring environmental impact assessments (EIA), and reclamation plan in accordance with the National Environmental Policy’s Environmental Conservation Rules and Regulations.